Chapter 798: 794: Psychological Warfare: Breaking Through with One Move
However, he had no choice but to, as instructed by Roy Lewis, notify the councillors one by one about an eight o’clock meeting with the acting president tonight.
Of course, Roy Lewis specifically instructed him to use the word “him” when speaking to each councillor, not “them.”
By eight o’clock in the evening, several councillors arrived punctually outside the president’s office.
Upon seeing each other, they were all somewhat surprised, their facial expressions becoming subtly complex.
Benjamin Fred, who was tasked with receiving them, led them directly into the reception room.
Councillor Jeremy couldn’t keep his composure and asked Benjamin Fred, who was serving them tea and water.
“Mr. Fred, does Mr. Lewis intend to see us one by one?”
Before Benjamin Fred could answer, Roy Lewis, who had already arrived at the door, took over the conversation.
“I have carefully read all of your proposals. The main points and demands are the same, so I brought everyone here with the hope that we can find a consensus.”
The councillors looked at each other.
Roy Lewis calmly sat down, with Benjamin Fred by his side, helping him sort out opinions and information.
“So, who wants to go first?”
Roy Lewis seemed perfectly ready to listen.
The councillors looked at each other. In the end, it was Councillor Jeremy who mustered the courage to speak.
“Mr. Lewis, our opinions may differ. Perhaps, you could speak with each of us separately to understand the situation?”
Roy Lewis looked at his watch. “Time won’t allow it. Besides, after seeing all your proposals, the opinions aren’t that different. For example, Councillor Jeremy, you believe that the energy company is a promising enterprise…”
Upon hearing this, Councillor Jeremy hurriedly interrupted Roy Lewis’s words.
“Mr. Lewis, I also think it’s a good idea to discuss strategies together.”
After Roy Lewis has only made mention of Councillor Jeremy’s proposals, the other councillors, including Billy, Dion, James, Johannes, and Peter realized that their proposals were indeed similar.
Each of them argued that their corporations were in declining industries with fierce competition and low profits, unable to bear more social responsibilities. They argued that more prosperous businesses should bear more taxes, which should then be used for public welfare and the welfare of the disadvantaged.
In other words, these councillors portrayed their family’s industries as terribly faltering, with the main objective being to shift more social responsibilities onto other industries.
Originally, they all had ulterior motives, thinking they could deceive the acting president without anyone noticing.
Who would have known, Roy Lewis, not only has an indisputable presence in the business world, but also wields extraordinary power, decisiveness, and acumen in his acting position!
“The larger the corporation, the more social resources it occupies, and therefore the greater the social responsibilities it should bear. Councillors, do you think there’s anything wrong with this statement?”
Although the welfare bill for the disabled has been passed, its execution requires more taxes from these gigantic corporations.
The increase in revenue discussed by Roy Lewis and the think tank is just a drop in the bucket for these large corporations, but they perceived it as if they were being made to sign their death sentences.
None of the councillors wanted Roy Lewis to read out their proposals in front of each other. Not wanting to offend anyone directly, they almost unanimously responded to Roy Lewis.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. You are absolutely right.”
Roy Lewis glanced at them, “So, Councillor Dion believes…”
Councillor Dion broke out in a cold sweat and quickly interrupted Roy Lewis.
“Mr. Lewis, it’s due to my lack of understanding. After your teaching, I feel that the implementation measures and execution plans put forward by the bill are very comprehensive and reasonable.”
Roy Lewis nodded with satisfaction, “Alright, Councillor Dion, your issue is resolved. Please go over to Mr. Fred and sign to confirm.”
As Councillor Dion sullenly walked over, Roy Lewis turned to Councillor Peter.
“Councillor Peter, your proposal…”
Councillor Peter quickly stood up, “Mr. Lewis, after your words, I deeply regret that I have been narrow-minded. I have no objections now and have resolved the issue. I can also sign at Mr. Fred’s place, right?”
Councillor Peter eagerly looked at Roy Lewis, waiting for his subtle nod.
Upon receiving that, he hastily ran over to Benjamin Fred to sign.
The remaining councillors, Billy, James and Johannes, seeing the direction this meeting was taking, didn’t dare voice any more objections.
They feared ending up neither gaining benefits nor offending the big shots of other industries’.
“Mr. Lewis, we have no further issues. Let’s quickly sign so you can go home early for dinner and rest!”
Roy Lewis looked at the usually vociferous individuals and asked again.
“Really no objections?”
The three unanimously waved their hands, “Really none!”
Roy Lewis’s sharp gaze swept over their faces one more time, then he nodded subtly.
“Well then, sign your names, and consider this matter settled. Everyone should go home early for dinner and rest! Love your country, but also your family!”